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New: Formex Space Rock – Meteorite dial in two sizes
French independent watch releases two modestly priced watches with meteorite dials - a 39mm stainless steel case and a 41mm carbon/ceramic watch.
Results for Plasma High-Tech Ceramic
3,326 articles · 339 videos found · page 74 of 123
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HANDS-ON: The Chopard Alpine Eagle 41mm we are all pining for
There’s definitely not a shortage of stainless-steel sports watches in the marketplace. It’s a truly saturated category due to the high demand, so if you’re going to draw attention away from the usual suspects then the design you bring to market has to be distinct and fresh. Fortunately, that is exactly what the Chopard Alpine … ContinuedThe post HANDS-ON: The Chopard Alpine Eagle 41mm we are all pining for appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
Happenings: 14 Pièce Unique Timepieces Will Be Sold This Weekend At The TimeForArt Auction
A first-of-its-kind auction sees the worlds of art and high horology collide through the Phillips New York Watch Auction: SEVEN.
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Review: The Grönefeld 1941 Principia Special Edition for Sincere Fine Watches
Grönefeld – managed by brothers Bart and Tim Grönefeld – is a household name in high-end independent watchmaking. The brand, based in the Netherlands, is known for its contemporary design, immaculate finissage and technical complications. For a long while, watches with technical complications such as the tourbillon, remontoire and deadbeat seconds were the only normRead More
Hodinkee
Pre-Owned Picks: Six Underrated Oddballs To Combat The January Blues
Flat fours, more Olympic action, and a high-beat anniversary.
SJX Watches
Audemars Piguet Introduces the Code 11.59 Starwheel
After a two-decade hiatus, Audemars Piguet has revived the wandering-hours complication with the Code 11:59 Starwheel. The latest addition to the collection installs the distinctive complication in the Code 11:59, a model initially criticised but now often praised, and combines it with a blue aventurine dial that’s matched with a two-tone, black ceramic and white gold case. Initial thoughts The reintroduction of the Starwheel in the Code 11:59 is an interesting proposition that is well timed. It is interesting because it combines the modern proportions and style of the Code 11.59 case with a once-neglected complication. In that sense, the watch embodies a key familiar direction in contemporary watchmaking: reinterpreting of a vintage classic for today. Even though the formula is familiar, the new Starwheel is different enough that it will no doubt be polarising. The relatively large case diameter of 41 mm compared to the compact 1990s models means the new model will probably not appeal to fans of the original, but it will surely bring a new audience to the complication (and perhaps enlarge the pool of clients for the Code 11.59). And it is well timed because Starwheel watches from the 1990s enjoyed a rise in popularity alongside the broader jump in interest in watches of all sorts during the last two years. So the brand’s revival of the Starwheel reflects its awareness of today’s tastes. It also reveals that AP is paying attention to the comings and goings on th...
Revolution
New Generation Watch Leadership: Jean Arnault
Before the New Generation Watch Leadership symposium at Geneva Watch Days 2022, Wei caught up with Jean Arnault, Director of Marketing and Development at Louis Vuitton Watches, to talk about his deep passion for horology and high craftsmanship, and the brand’s progression from a luxury fashion house to the heights of haute horlogerie. Despite his […]
Time+Tide
The memes of the week: Dumb buys, colonoscopies and the wisdom of dads
Hospital chic (via @watchumor) Style is about being appropriately dressed for the occasion. But sometimes life throws you a sartorial curveball. Having to submit to a thin, flexible tube containing a small camera being inserted into your bottom probably qualifies as such. So what to wear on your wrist? Do you take the high-contrast approach … ContinuedThe post The memes of the week: Dumb buys, colonoscopies and the wisdom of dads appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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Enough Birch: The Grand Seiko SLGH019 proves there is far more dial-ground to cover in Evolution 9
Evolution 9 was born to usher in a new era and tier of Grand Seiko watchmaking. It brought forth their most faceted case yet, with the most alternating hairline-brushed and Zaratsu distortion-free, mirror-polished surfaces. There were broader and sportier hands and indices, plus notably next-gen movements like the high-beat 9SA5 calibre. But while we have … ContinuedThe post Enough Birch: The Grand Seiko SLGH019 proves there is far more dial-ground to cover in Evolution 9 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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New: Alpa 12 STC Silver Edition Medium Format Technical Camera
Alpa, a high end technical medium format camera company releases a new version of their 12 STC in collaboration with Hasselblad.
Revolution
BVLGARI Octo Finissimo, The New Icon Part III: A Crowning Achievement
The journey of the Octo Finissimo continues, BVLGARI having conquered the new frontier of ultra-thin high complications. In 2018, the brand would reintroduce its icon in a whole different finish, this time in stainless steel, maintaining its infinitely wearable appeal. Nine years’ worth of world records would culminate in the top prize of the 2021 […]
SJX Watches
Bell & Ross Introduces the BR-X5 Powered by Kenissi
Historically reliant on ETA and Sellita, Bell & Ross is employing Kenissi movements for the first time in the BR-X5. Though evidently evolved from the BR05, the BR-X5 is endowed with a more complex, modular case. That, in addition to the high-spec Kenissi movement, means the BR-X5 is the new flagship sports watch for Bell & Ross (B&R;). Initial thoughts The BR-X5 is very much typical B&R; in terms of aesthetics with its squarish bezel secured by screws and legible dial. In fact, it is easy to mistake this for the BR05 at a distance, but up close it is clear that the BR-X5 is a big step up in terms of quality. The Kenissi movement certainly outperforms the ETA and Sellita calibres found in the BR05, while the case has a more complex construction that gives it more versatility in terms of materials. The BR-X5 is making its debut with a model entirely in steel as well as a fancier version in titanium and carbon that best illustrates the modular, layered construction of the case The improved case and movement, however, come at a price. The BR-X5 costs about 50% more than the equivalent BR05, a premium that is easily justified by the technical improvements. However, relative to the rest of the B&R; line-up the BR-X5 is pricey for a time-only watch, which means it will likely only make sense for those who appreciate and understand the tangible qualities of the watch over its less expensive siblings in the B&R; catalogue. Familiar design, new mechanics The centrepiece of the BR-X5 is...
SJX Watches
Hublot Introduces Big Bang Unico Gourmet in Damasteel
A watchmaker that endlessly experiments with new materials, Hublot has once again employed a novel alloy for its quintessential sports chronograph. Inspired by the brand’s celebrity-chef brand ambassadors who include Anne-Sophie Pic and Yannick Alléno, the Big Bang Unico Gourmet has a case of Damasteel, a striking, patterned steel that’s often used for high-end knives. Initial thoughts The Unico Gourmet is typical Hublot in how it employs a novel material for visual effect. For that reason it will surely appeal to existing fans of the brand who enjoy the Hublot aesthetic. But the case material is Damasteel – not generic Damascus steel but a proprietary alloy made with a patented process by a Swedish specialist. While the alloy has been used in watches before, it’s more often used for pricey custom knives. The unusual metal means the watch will appeal to nerds who appreciate materials technology. The watch happens to look good and also different from the average Hublot. The patterned steel echoes the aesthetics of the skeletonised movement, creating a coherent combination of textures. In other words, the material is perfect match for the Big Bang. In contrast, it’s easy to image that an ordinary round watch with conventional dial would have been overwhelmed by the intricate texture of Damasteel. Since the watch is already loud with its striking pattern, it has been wisely been scaled down to just 42 mm, which is small for a Big Bang. As a result, it will sit w...
Revolution
IWC’s TOP GUN Exhibition Comes to Singapore
From 22 to 30 October, IWC is holding an exhibition featuring its partnership with Top Gun and its incredibly popular colored ceramic pilot’s watches. Jeremiah met with IWC’s Chief Design Officer, Christian Knoop to take a first look at the exhibition and explore the brand’s world of color and Top Gun. We also got to […]
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New Release: Panerai Luminor Quaranta Razer PAM01353
The alliance continues with the introduction of Luminor Quaranta Razer Special Edition, a watch that merges high-end horology and the iconic aesthetic of the most recognized name in esports and global gaming. Production will be limited to 500 pieces available exclusively through Panerai boutiques and Panerai.com.
SJX Watches
Exhibition: IWC ‘Monochromatic Top Gun’ in Singapore
Twenty-twenty two has been all about the Pilot’s Watch for IWC, but with a particular focus on materials, including coloured ceramics and titanium. All that materials tech, watchmaking, and military provenance is now on show in Singapore with Monochromatic Top Gun. Taking place from October 22-30, 2022, the exhibition showcases the brand’s aviator’s watches – including rarely-seen watches made for actual military pilots – along with its watchmaking knowhow in a series of classes and talks. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the all-ceramic line of Pilot’s Watches named after the US Navy’s fight jet academy, Top Gun. Historically available only in black, the Top Gun collection has more recently become a platform for IWC to roll out a range of coloured ceramics. Naturally the show includes the year’s new launches, namely the Top Gun chronographs in forest green or white ceramic. Earlier models such as the Miramar with its sand-coloured ceramic case are also on show, along with the quintessential all-black version. Notably, the exhibition also includes 15 military-issue watches, each bearing a unit insignia on the dial, in perhaps its most intriguing section. Rarely seen since they are only available to members of the individual air force and navy units, such watches reflect the fact that the Schaffhausen watchmaker is the sole official supplier of watches to the US Navy and Marine Corps. As a result, IWC has created watches for some 350 squadrons, includin...
SJX Watches
In-Depth I: Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon SLGT003
The first complicated mechanical watch from the brand in its six decades years of history, the Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon SLGT003 is an impressive example of high horology. The Kodo is self-explanatory: it is equipped with a highly skeletonised and sensitively finished movement boasting a one-second remontoir and tourbillon, both mounted on the same axis. The Kodo is an interesting watch in all respects, tangible and intangible, making it worth a detailed examination – exactly the focus of this two-part series. In this first instalment, we explain the development and conception of the Kodo, as well as the decoration of its movement. In the second part that will be published subsequently, we detail how the movement works and analyse how it compares to the competition. A surprise Evolved from the T0 concept movement unveiled just two years ago, the Kodo is undoubtedly a milestone – and a major step upwards – for the Japanese watchmaker that’s historically been focused on simple but high-quality everyday watches. Like conventional Grand Seiko (GS) watches, the Kodo is all about high-quality timekeeping, but it is far from simple. An example of a typical Grand Seiko, which is strikingly different from the Kodo, yet not so different in terms of philosophy Well known for its quest for high precision – amongst its earliest timepieces were observatory-tested chronometers – GS has done much research and development in the cutting-edge timekeeping techn...
Time+Tide
MICRO MONDAYS: The Dumoreau DM02 is designed by an award-winning architect and it shows
The watch microbrand game has become incredibly alluring over the last few years, with some examples rising from humble Kickstarter origins to sky-high profits and unmeetable demand. It’s such an attractive market that Carlo Aiello - an award-winning architect, designer and author - entered the fray in 2020 with his own brand called Dumoreau. The brand’s … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Dumoreau DM02 is designed by an award-winning architect and it shows appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The seconde/seconde/ Smart(ass) makes you love to hate yourself
The popularity of smartwatches has risen massively over the last few years. Where they fail to strike a chord with many watch enthusiasts, however, is that with their added functionality and high-resolution screens they usually need to be charged on a daily basis. Sequent chose to put a different spin on a smartwatch by powering … ContinuedThe post The seconde/seconde/ Smart(ass) makes you love to hate yourself appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
Audemars Piguet Introduces the Code 11.59 Tourbillon “Onyx”
Despite a rocky reception when Audemars Piguet debuted the line in 2019, the Code 11.59 collection is gaining traction, especially after several facelifts that bestowed smoked dials, two-tone cases, as well as open-worked movements on the line. Continuing the evolution – and improvement – is the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon that combines white gold and black ceramic in a novel two-tone case. More striking is the unexpected simplicity of the dial, which is a polished expanse of onyx stone, resulting in the most striking version of the model to date. Initial thoughts Since the launch of the collection, most Code 11.59 model have been redesigned in a manner that is somewhat formulaic, though the results have been attractive. The makeovers usually involved brighter dial colours or new materials, like the recent Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon that got an aventurine glass dial. In comparison, the latest redesign is a surprise that proves less is more. Stark and minimalist yet far from plain, the onyx dial easily sets the watch apart from its peers in the collection. It does that by streamlining the dial, even removing the Arabic numerals that are a signature element of the Code 11.59. Aside from the onyx dial, I also like the smart application of coloured accents. Though it is mainly in silver and black, it has just the right amount of rose gold details in just the right places to give it warmth and a bit of a vintage feel. And the black is also smartly utilised...
SJX Watches
Highlights: Unorthodox Sports Watches at Sotheby’s Hong Kong
Following our round up of independent watchmaking highlights at the Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches I auction in Hong Kong, we now turn to something more conventional and even fashionable: high-end sports watches. But naturally we’re not going to run through the unorthodox examples that need no extra publicity (though one “hype” watch might have slipped in). Our selection of a half dozen includes an early Richard Mille and possibly a value buy, a IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Monopusher Edition that has an interesting and little known movement. Important Watches I starts at 10:00 am (GMT +8) on October 5, 2022. Registration for bidding and the full catalogue can be accessed here. The RM002-V2 Lot 2161: A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus An entirely new collection that debuted just in time for the modern brand’s 25th anniversary, the Odysseus is an outlier for a watchmaker that historically focused on high-end, classical watches. Though the Odysseus sports a design that’s unsurprising for Lange, it is the brand’s first watch with an integrated bracelet. More notably, the Odysseus was the first regular production Lange watch in steel. But we’re not here to talk about the heavily-hyped steel model, instead this is the model in white gold, which arguably offers more value than the steel version at market prices. The integrated-bracelet sports watch arena has long been dominated by the Royal Oak and Nautilus, so what makes the Odysseus a contender? The same characte...
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New Release: OMEGA Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer
The X-33 series is as much a practical modern Speedmaster as it is an impractical one. While the main arguments against practicality are the usefulness of functions, this point is mostly moot when it comes to luxury timepieces. That said, with high end Quartz timepieces, one has to consistently remind oneself to monitor the battery life, battery conditions and replace batteries in a timely fashion. This comes at a risk of melting batteries, out of sync micro chips and other general issues from neglect. Since most watch collectors would have more than a handful of watches, it is not uncommon for part or most of their collection to go without wear for a long period of time. That's mostly fine for mechanical timepieces, but it does get concerning with a high-end quartz timepiece. Priced at SGD$9350, the new X-33 with its ESA collaboration shares the same price tag as the Moonwatch. It is undoubtedly lesser loved by mechanical watch fans, but does have its own novelty factor. However, considering the perceived value of quartz to mechanical Speedmasters, it might take a real Space fan to truly appreciate the X-33.
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In-Depth: Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture
A hallmark of Greubel Forsey’s unique brand of watchmaking is its inclined, high-speed tourbillon that completes two and a half revolutions per minute. In fact, it was the first tourbillon by Greubel Forsey (GF) when the brand made its debut in 2004. Almost two decades on, the brand’s quintessential regulator has been installed in something entirely different with the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture. While the inclined tourbillon remains, the Architecture is almost entirely new as a watch, comprising a brand-new case design containing a reconstructed movement – that is a tangible realisation of architecture – which together form a cohesive whole. Initial thoughts The Architecture may seem like just another GF sports watch at first sight, so one might dismiss it as being merely a repurposed movement modified to fit into the brand’s bestselling sports watch case. But it is more than that. The inclined tourbillon has been transformed into something refreshingly novel where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. And it manages to be novel despite high-end sports watches being increasingly common. In short, it’s one of the most notable watches in the GF line-up. Despite the familiar mechanics of the tourbillon, the details of the movement have been comprehensively reimagined to emphasise the brand’s distinctive approach to movement construction, one that prizes three-dimensionality in design matched with impeccable finishing. This incremental improv...
Time+Tide
VIDEO: Slimmer than the Moonwatch – the new Omega Speedmaster ’57 makes a giant leap towards wearability
When Omega’s eye turned towards their 1957 trilogy of sports watches, the reissued vintage watch trend was sky-high, but not yet at its peak. The last few years have seen brands like Omega perfecting the art of the retro, figuring out which elements needed updating and which ones were best kept in their original state. … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: Slimmer than the Moonwatch – the new Omega Speedmaster ’57 makes a giant leap towards wearability appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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INTRODUCING: The Minase Horizon 2.0 is striking and utterly distinct
Minase are such a distinct brand in the marketplace, fitting into the incredibly specific niche of high value luxury. Their watches aren’t cheap by any stretch, but for the level of artisanal expertise and production quality, you could spend twice as much on a more established brand and not get close. The Minase Horizon 2.0 … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Minase Horizon 2.0 is striking and utterly distinct appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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HANDS-ON: The Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary delivers a classically handsome dress watch
This year marks Longines’ 190th anniversary and they’re celebrating with an exclusive timepiece from their top-of-the-range Master Collection. Since 2005 , the Master Collection has become Longines’ home for their more traditionally styled pieces that riff off a number of the brand’s classic designs from the middle part of the 20th century. These are high-end … ContinuedThe post HANDS-ON: The Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary delivers a classically handsome dress watch appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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Sex, biceps and watch choices – how your wrist size affects your life
There’s a famous Bond scene in Octopussy where Roger Moore’s 007, clad in his customary white tuxedo, sits down to play a spot of high-stakes backgammon. His adversary – the malevolent Kamal Khan – is surreptitiously cheating, using a set of loaded dice. Unfazed, Bond accepts Khan’s 200,000 rupee wager and, using a Fabergé egg … ContinuedThe post Sex, biceps and watch choices – how your wrist size affects your life appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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New: Lang & Heyne Georg SHH Edition
In collaboration with Sincere Haute Horlogerie in Singapore, Lang & Heyne presents a new Georg SHH Edition with a special ceramic dial.
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Hands On: Greubel Forsey Double Balancier Convexe SHH Edition
A “concept” store for high-end watches when it first opened in 2005, Sincere Haute Horlogerie (SHH) closed its original location in the now-closed Hilton hotel in 2019. Three years on, Singapore retailer Sincere is reviving SHH at the city state’s landmark casino resort. To commemorate the event, SHH has unveiled several limited editions created in collaboration with independent watchmakers led by the Greubel Forsey Double Balancier Convexe SHH Edition. A watch with twin balance wheels linked by a differential, the SHH edition is housed in the streamlined “Convexe” case that defines the Greubel Forsey’s sports watches. But unlike the brand’s sports watches to date, this is striking in an ultra-contemporary purple livery that’s uncommon for such a complicated watch. The rationale behind the juxtaposition of bold colours and refined complications is straightforward according to Sincere chief executive Ong Ban. “For the new generation, watches go with their dress and the younger ones want… [watches] that go with sneakers or hoodies,” explains Mr Ong, “But while the cosmetics evolve over the years, but the essence of finely executed movements remains the same.” Even the titanium main plate of the movement is finished in purple Initial thoughts The new Double Balancier is a haute horlogerie sports watch in an eye-catching colour and the requisite integrated strap that will no doubt draw a new audience to the brand. While Greubel Forsey (GF) wat...
Time+Tide
Everything you need to know about the new 100m WR 49mm Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch is the world’s most popular watch. Yet while it’s always been relatively rugged for a smartwatch, the Apple Watch still has its limitations – leaving some wondering when an even more robust take on the device would hit the market. Today, during Apple’s Keynote Event, the tech giant revealed the Apple Watch Ultra. … ContinuedThe post Everything you need to know about the new 100m WR 49mm Apple Watch Ultra appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.